LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers are set to kick off a new session Wednesday with proposals to balance a tight state budget, lower property taxes and legalize medical marijuana in the face of a potential ballot measure.

The new, 90-day session will also usher in 13 new state senators who will reshape the officially nonpartisan Legislature in ways not yet known.

Here are some things to watch:

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THE BUDGET

A persistent state revenue shortfall could create budget headaches once again for lawmakers, who have relied on Nebraska's rainy-day fund the last several years.

Nebraska faces a projected $95.1 million revenue shortfall in its upcoming two-year, general fund budget.

It's a tiny fraction of the roughly $9 billion total state budget and smaller than other recent shortfalls, but some lawmakers worry the downturn will continue and they won't have enough money left in the rainy-day fund to cover state expenses. The fund holds about $296 million, down sharply from the $729 million stashed away in 2016.

"I think we may be getting to the point where we can't afford to use any more of that," said Speaker of the Legislature Jim Scheer, of Norfolk.

In an interview last week, Gov. Pete Ricketts said tapping the cash reserve was appropriate given the downturn in agriculture, the state's largest industry. Ricketts has previously said he'd like to keep about $500 million in the rainy-day fund.

"The reason you have a rainy-day fund is to help cushion against economic downtimes," he said. "In agriculture, it's clearly raining."

Lawmakers will also debate how to pay for a voter-approved measure to expand Medicaid to an estimated 90,000 low-income residents. Ricketts said he will fit that expense into his budget proposal to lawmakers, but it's likely to crowd out other priorities over time.

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PROPERTY TAXES

Lawmakers will try once again to address the complaints of farmers, ranchers and homeowners who have seen sharp increases in their local property tax bills.

The issue rises to the forefront nearly every year, but lawmakers seldom agree on how to pay for property tax cuts and who should receive most of the benefits.

"I'm relatively optimistic we can get something done this year," said Sen. Tom Briese, an Albion farmer who has introduced numerous property-tax proposals. "A lot more folks are realizing the gravity of the situation."

The biggest recipient of property tax dollars are K-12 public schools, particularly in rural districts that no longer qualify for state equalization aid because they contain too much valuable land. Farmers argue that they're paying higher property taxes even though lower commodity prices have reduced their incomes.

Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks, of Lincoln, said she understands the pressure farmers are facing and wants to help, but she also sees needs in her urban district.

"We have to work together," she said. "The conservative and rural members need to work with the urban senators and the progressives to really get something done."

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ELECTING NEW LEADERS, SETTING THE RULES... AND MORE GRIDLOCK?

Lawmakers will choose new committee leaders in a secret-ballot election that's often full of surprises.

During the last elections in 2017, conservative Republicans won nearly all of the Legislature's leadership positions and tried to force through a change that would have made it harder for Democrats to win committee chairmanships in the future. Democrats and even some moderate Republicans blasted the moves as a partisan power grab, and the dispute brought the Legislature to a virtual standstill for 30 days.

The leadership votes were highly unusual in an officially nonpartisan Legislature, where committees are traditionally led by a mix of Republicans and Democrats. The new session will mark the first time lawmakers have formally addressed those issues since 2017.

Pansing Brooks said she's hopeful lawmakers will try to build coalitions more than they have in previous years.

"The original my-way-or-the-highway approach doesn't work," she said. "People are starting to realize it takes coalitions, it takes people working together."

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MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Nebraska lawmakers could face more pressure to legalize medical marijuana in some form, thanks to a group of senators and activists who are promising to put the issue on the 2020 ballot if nothing passes this year.

A newly formed ballot committee, Nebraskans for Sensible Marijuana Laws, plans to launch a signature-gathering campaign, although organizers said they'd prefer that lawmakers address the issue. Sen. Anna Wishart, of Lincoln, a leading proponent, will introduce a medical marijuana bill this year.

Similar measures won approval last year in Missouri, Oklahoma and Utah, bringing the total to 33 states that have legalized the drug for medicinal purposes. Unlike past efforts in Nebraska that have faltered, the latest campaign is backed by the Marijuana Policy Project, a national group that has helped lead five successful marijuana-related ballot measures.

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11-Jan-2019 / AP NEWS

SIDNEY, Neb. (AP) — A Canadian company has made a deal with Bass Pro Shops to buy one of Cabela's corporate buildings in Sidney — a deal that could provide 150 or more local jobs.

The sales price and other financial details about the MMP Enterprises purchase have not been released. MMP is a logistics management company based in Toronto.

Sidney economic development director Melissa Norgard says MMP wants to have the sale wrapped up within 90 days and begin hiring. Norgard also says the number of MMP jobs in Sidney could grow as the company develops the business model for its first expansion outside of Canada.

Cabela's employed more than 2,000 people at its sprawling Sidney headquarters before being purchased by rival Bass Pro Shops.

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10-Jan-2019 / KRGI News

Heartland United Way - Karen Rathke

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17-Jan-2019 / KRGI News

CDHD - Jodi Garretson

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30-Nov-2018 / UNMC Release

Wendy Wells has dedicated her life to health care workforce development through early education. The University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing West Nebraska Division instructor and Chadron native, is considered a trusted resource and is a respected community partner and advocate.

For her efforts, Wells, recently received a Community Star award from the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH). NOSORH assists State Offices of Rural Health in their efforts to improve access to, and the quality of, health care for more than 60 million rural Americans.

The award recognizes those who dedicate their life’s work to rural health and make a positive impact on rural lives.

“I am passionate about recruiting and retaining health care providers to rural areas, especially western Nebraska,” said Wells, who teaches population health and coordinates service learning for students. “To be recognized for my efforts by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health is a great honor.”

“Recipients are extraordinary people whose contributions are deserving of recognition,” said Teryl Eisinger, executive director of NOSORH. “Each is a shining example of their generosity, service, and dedication to the people who call rural America home.”

Wells, a graduate of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, returned to Scottsbluff after graduation where she pursued nursing degrees, including a master’s in community health nursing. She also is an education coordinator for the Nebraska Panhandle Area Health Education Center.

In the role, she teaches population health and coordinates service learning projects for area schools, such as arranging for nursing students to work with local health providers and resources, including student health and diabetic screenings, area soup kitchens, Habitat for Humanity, flu/immunization clinics, and even horse therapy, an increasingly popular activity.

Aside from her outstanding contributions, the nominator also indicated that Wells donates much of her time to advance the organization’s core and mission.

“Whether she’s organizing annual camps that focus on creating interest in nursing careers for high school students or pre-health professions for new college students, or at the head of the class providing didactic and experiential training, Wendy embodies the generosity and spirit of an extraordinary rural health nurse,” according to the nominator.

The National Organization of State Office of Rural Health is the membership association of the nation’s 50 State Offices of Rural Health. State Offices of Rural Health are anchors of information and support for rural communities, health professionals, hospitals and clinics across the nation. They are dedicated to collaboration, education, communication and innovation to improve health in small towns around the country.

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10-Jan-2019 / Ap

Lincoln, NE - Nebraska state Sen. Ernie Chambers is renewing his push to abolish the death penalty after his last successful attempt was overturned by voters in 2016.

The longtime Omaha senator introduced a repeal bill Thursday on the Nebraska legislative session's second day.

Nebraska received national attention in 2015 when the Legislature overrode Gov. Pete Ricketts' veto and ended capital punishment. Death penalty supporters responded with a ballot campaign that placed the issue before voters, who reinstated the punishment. Ricketts donated $300,000 of his own money to the campaign.

Nebraska executed its first inmate since 1997 last year, using a never-before-tried combination of drugs. Prison officials refused to identify their supplier, prompting lawsuits that accused them of violating Nebraska's public-records laws.

Chambers has fought for decades to abolish capital punishment.

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30-Jan-2019 / KRGI News

Brent Clark - City Of Grand Island

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05-Feb-2019 / KRGI News

Charlie Falmon - City Of Grand Island

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14-Aug-2018 / Josh Keenportz

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08-Jun-2018 / Columbus Police Dept Facebook

On June 7th at about 7:30 PM Sergeant Wangler and another Officer responded to the residence located at 3410 16th Street in Columbus regarding an anonymous
report that a wanted individual was at that location. In the course of the contact with the Suspect; 24 year old Jorje Robledo, a gunfight ensued.
Initially, during the conflict, Robledo was armed with a handgun. As the situation developed, Robledo transitioned to a rifle. Both Wangler and Robledo
were shot during the exchange and received multiple gunshot wounds.

Both Wangler and Robledo were initially taken to the Columbus Community Hospital and later to the University of Nebraska Medical Center by medical helicopter. Wangler is currently in stable condition, however he will require additional surgery relating to a wound in his neck. Robledo remains in critical condition.

Sergeant Wangler is a 19 year veteran of the Columbus Police. He is married and has two children.

We would like to extend our thanks to the Nebraska State Patrol, Platte County Sheriff's Department and the Omaha Police Department for the support they have offered in this matter.

The incident is being jointly investigated by the Columbus Police Department and Nebraska State Patrol.

Three McCook Community College softball players have been selected to the All-Region IX, Division I team. Sophomore outfielders Chanel Siebenthal (Lakewood,
Colo.) and Jerusha Miner (Gunnison Valley, Utah) were named to the team along with freshman utility player Brooklyn Jensen (West Valley City, Utah).
Miner played in 57 games batting .385 with 20 doubles, six triples, five home runs, 52 RBIs, 48 runs scored and 24 stolen bases. She had a .422
on-base and slugged .630. She topped the region with six triples and 192 at bats. She was fourth in doubles, fifth in RBIs, steals and total bases
(121). Siebenthal led the Lady Indians with a .411 batting average in 58 games, she had 24 doubles, two home runs, 32 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases.
She had a .449 on-base percentage and slugged .573. Her 24 doubles were the second most in Region IX. She had the second most plate appearances
in the region and ranked in the top 10 in at bats, runs, total bases (106) region and stolen bases. Jensen led the region with 43 stolen bases.
In 50 games played as catcher and infielder, she batted .397 with 36 runs scored and a .431 on-base percentage. As a catcher, she threw out nine
runners trying to steal which was the second most in the region. She held base stealers to a 37.5 success rate, which was third best in the region.

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09-Apr-2019 / MCC Athletics/Brent Cobb

Last week the McCook Community College volleyball program reached a milestone of sorts when the seventh of seven graduating sophomores signed a letter
of intent to continue playing volleyball – “Seven for Seven” as MCC Coach Hayley Kobza is calling the journey that has landed all seven of her sophomores
scholarships to continue playing the sport after they graduate from MCC.

These players were part of a sophomore squad helping lead the Lady Indians to back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time this century and also
helped MCC capture its first Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference Championship in 38 years and finished the season at 21-14, which included
wins against two top-20 ranked opponents.

Of the seven MCC players, two are former high school teammates who were “discovered” at MCC during an open tryout in 2016 will play Division I volleyball.
Two other MCC teammates will move on to play for the same team, one will play for a Division II program and four will play for National Association
of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) schools. Two are headed to South Carolina, two are headed to Missouri, one is going to Louisiana, one to Texas
and one will play in Kansas.

Here’s a summary of the players, their season highlights and where they’re headed:

Ashley Carson, Ord, will continue her volleyball career as a setter at Division 2 Coker College in Hartsville, South Carolina. One
of three co-captains on the team, she was named to the all-Region IX volleyball team, had 1,268 sets – the most in Region IX, and sixth best among
all setters in the nation. In addition Carson had 37 service aces, 237 digs, 40 blocks and 56 kills. She was also named to the Omaha World-Herald
all-Nebraska team for players from two-year colleges.

Hannah Emerson, a 6-2 middle blocker from Greeley West High School in Colo., will play at NCAA Division I Coastal Carolina in Conway,
South Carolina. She received honorable mention on the Omaha World-Herald All Nebraska team. She played in 35 matches this season and her block
numbers were in the top 10 in the Region IX South Division in the four major blocking categories. She assisted on 106 blocks, tops in the division,
was second in total blocks with 124, second with 0.94 blocks per set, and ninth in solo blocks with 18. Her block assist numbers were ninth most
in the nation. This fall, Emerson’s Chanticleers will play the University of Nebraska on Sept. 21 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.

Ryan Maddera 6-1, who played outside hitter and middle for the Indians will play setter at Division 1 Southeast Louisiana in Hammond,
La. Like her high school teammate Emerson, both came to MCC for an open tryout and two years later both earned scholarships to play volleyball
this Fall at the Division 1 level. Maddera played in 35 matches this past season for the Lady Indians and recorded 398 kills, 228 digs, 16 solo
blocks, 73 total blocks and 42 service aces. She ranked fourth among hitters in the Region IX South division in total kills, her 3.18 kills per
set ranked seventh, and total blocks ranked 14th. She also received honorable mention for the Omaha World-Herald all-Nebraska team.

Brooklyn Evans, a 5-7 libero from Ogden, Utah, who converted from setter after her freshman season, will continue her career at NAIA
Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Mo. Evans, named co-captain in August, played in 35 matches for the Lady Indians leading the team in digs
with 321 (2.43 per game). That total ranked ninth among players in the Region IX South Division. She also had 98 assists (10th most in the division)
and 37 service aces (ranked 11th in the region). Evans received honorable mention for the Omaha World-Herald all-Nebraska team. She will continue
playing her libero/defensive position for the Vikings.

Haley Jacobsen is a 5-9 middle blocker/right side hitter from Chatfield High School in Littleton Colo., who will join MCC teammate
Brooklyn Evans at Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Mo. Jacobsen played in 25 matches for the Lady Indians where she had 78 kills, 41 digs,
and 50 total blocks. Her blocks per set total (0. 66) was 11th best in among players competing in the Region IX South Division. At Missouri Valley
College, she expects to continue playing right side where she spent most of her time this past season.

Ty Johnson, a 5-8 outside hitter from Conroe, Texas returns to her home state to play volleyball at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas.
Johnson, one of three co-captains, played in all 35 matches and had 227 kills on the season, 45 service aces, 97 digs, and 93 blocks. She ranked
second in the south sub-region in block assists (84) and was fourth in hitting percentage (.261). She received honorable mention for the Omaha
World-Herald all-Nebraska team. Johnson expects to play middle for the Lady Wildcats.

Onyessah Rocha, 5-5 libero from Topeka, Kan. returns to her home state to play for NAIA Ottawa University where she will play for
the Braves, who won the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament Championship and earned the program its sixth trip (fourth straight appearance),
at the NAIA National Tournament. Rocha expects to compete for the starting libero position.

ALL SEVEN OF McCook Community College’s volleyball sophomores have now signed on to continue their volleyball careers at the next
level. Pictured are (front row from left): Onyessah Rocha, Ty Johnson, Ashley Carson. (Back row): Haley Jacobsen, Hannah Emerson, Coach Hayley
Kobza, Ryan Maddera and Brooklyn Evans.

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24-Jul-2018 / NU Athletic Communications

KANSAS CITY, MO – The National Association of Basketball Coaches announced today the matchups for the championship round of the 2018 National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame Classic Powered by ShotTracker.
All four games of the Hall of Fame Classic Powered by ShotTracker at Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO., will be aired live on ESPN
networks.

On Monday, November 19, Nebraska will take on Missouri State at 6 pm CT on ESPNU, followed by USC and
Texas Tech at 8:30 pm ET on ESPN2. On Tuesday, November 20, the consolation game will tip off at 6 pm CT on ESPN3,
followed by the 2018 Hall of Fame ClassicPowered by ShotTracker championship game at 8:30pm ET on ESPN2.

Tickets for the championship round games at Sprint Center will be available beginning at 10:00am CT on August 4th by visitingwww.halloffameweekend.com,www.axs.com,
by phone at 888-929-7849, or in person at Sprint Center Box Office.

The Hall of Fame Classic Powered by ShotTracker will be the culminating event of college basketball’s Hall of Fame Weekend, which
also includes the 13th annual induction ceremony for the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. That event will take place on
Sunday, Nov. 18, at the Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland in Kansas City.

---- CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDS ----

Semifinal Doubleheader

Sprint Center – Kansas City, Mo.

Monday, November 19 – 6:00 PM CT

Nebraska vs. Missouri State (ESPNU)

USC vs. Texas Tech (ESPN2)

Championship Doubleheader

Sprint Center – Kansas City, Mo.

Tuesday, November 20 – 6:00 PM CT

Consolation Game (ESPN3)

Championship Game (ESPN2)

Those four schools will serve as the four host round participants for this year’s Hall of Fame Classic Powered by ShotTracker, with
the opening round games of the tournament beginning on November 6th. Each of those teams will play two games on campus, before advancing
to the championship rounds in Kansas City. Joining the four host teams in the 2018 Hall of Fame Classic Powered by ShotTracker are Mississippi Valley State, Robert Morris, Southeastern Louisiana and Stetson. The complete list of games for the 2018 Hall of Fame Classic Powered by Shot Tracker are as follows:

Lincoln – Train like a Husker this summer, as Nebraska men’s basketball coach Fred Hoiberg has announced a series of summer camps and
clinics. The camps will take place throughout the month of June at the Hendricks Training Complex.

The 2019 camp series will feature two four-day camps, as well a pair of specialty clinics for boys and girls entering the 3rd-12th grade. In addition,
there will also be a three-day Little Huskers camp for kids who are in grades K-4 for the upcoming year.

Hoiberg and his staff of instructors will work with campers on the fundamentals of basketball in a fun atmosphere. All camps are open to both boys
and girls entering the respective grade level.

The McCook Bison Tennis Camp is quickly approaching. The Camp is open to all ages and playing levels and is designed to promote a better understanding
of the game and strokes of tennis. Camp will be held at the Bison Tennis courts starting June 3rd for 3 weeks followed by 2 weeks of League. Deadline
to register is Friday, May 17th. Flyers can be picked up at McCook Lettering, McCook High School Junior High, McCook Central Elementary and McCook
St. Pats.

LINCOLN, NE—Today, the Nebraska Shrine Bowl Board of Directors released the rosters for
the 61st Annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl Game.

Head Coaches Paul Limongi (Omaha Burke HS) and Glen Snodgrass (York HS) together with their coaching staffs each chose from nominated seniors in their
designated regions to represent their respective high schools, as well as North or South, in the 2019 Nebraska Shrine Bowl.

NORTH TEAM

SOUTH TEAM

Kodjo Atikphou, Grand Island

Cole Aniello, Millard West

Ryan Bena, Creighton Prep

Edwen Baptista, Friend

Koby Brandenburg, Central City

Quinn Butzke, Centennial

Mehki Butler, Omaha North

Hunter Chilton, Gretna

Cedric Case, Lincoln High

John Christensen, Bruning-Davenport

Tyler Chadwick, Omaha Burke

Baily Darnell, Auburn

Connor Cowling, Norfolk

Jaiden Davis, Lincoln Southeast

Jackson Creek, Millard North

Joe Dworak, Lincoln Pius X

Shane Dailey, Jr., Bellevue West

Jarod Epperson, Omaha Skutt

Sid DeMayo, Mt. Michael

Colin Giron, McCook

Lane Edis, Mullen

Taevyn Grixby, Lincoln Southwest

Grayson Garey, Broken Bow

D.J. Gross, McCook

Trenton Harbor, Gothenburg

Tyson Guzman, Omaha Westside

Jack Hasz, Creighon Prep

Gabe Heins, Kearney

Jacob Herbek, GICC

Jackson Hirschfeld, Centennial

Mason Hiemstra, Alliance

Torrence Jackson, Omaha Central

Garrett Hustedt, Mt. Michael

Austin Jablonski, Lincoln Pius X

Cooper Jewett, Elkhorn South

Joseph Krause, Seward

Caden Johnson, Wahoo Bishop Neumann

Nick Leader, Lincoln Southwest

Chris Jones, Lincoln High

Alex Lewis, Omaha South

Rhett Jordan, Waverly

Jayden Merriman, Millard South

Kaden Kneifl, Wayne

Mike McClanahan, Papillion LaVista South

Sam Kolterman, Wahoo

Brayden Miller, Kearney

Quincy Nichols, Blair

Riley Moses, Fillmore Central

Steven Krawczyk, Omaha North

Chase Norblade, Papillion LaVista South

Lane McGinley, Valentine

Nouredin Nouli, Norris

Robert Pentecost, Papillion LaVista

Garrett Nuss, Sutton

Luke Reimer, Lincoln North Star

Caden Opfer, Gretna

Keegan Reitschneider, Scottsbluff

Lucas Paloucek, Ogallala

Jackson Ritchhart, Fremont

Cade Reichardt, Aurora

Alex Rodgers, Omaha Roncalli Catholic

PJ Schaben, Seward

Dylan Sales, Omaha Burke

Barrett Sellon, Lincoln East

Logan Schuelke, Waverly

Braden Sellon, Lincoln East

Sam Sims, Grand Island

Garrett Snodgrass, York

Jack Sutton, Wahoo

Noah Stafursky, York

Joe Teten, Norfolk Catholic

Jack Towne, Millard South

Jesse Ulrich, Ord

Landon Weber, Adams Central

Bryce Zimmerer, Creighton

T.J. Skradski, Omaha Skutt

NORTH COACHES

SOUTH COACHES

Paul Limongi, Omaha Burke

Glen Snodgrass, York

Blake Beebout, Valentine

Matt Maltsberger, York

Brock Eichelberger, O'Neill

Jamie Opfer, Seward

Chris Seebohm, Alliance

Kam Lenhart, Fairbury

Ben Ryan, Omaha Burke

Matt Kern, York

Andy Schatzberg, Omaha Burke

Eric Ryan, Overton

About the Nebraska Shrine BowlThe Shrine Bowl of Nebraska is the state's most prestigious high school all-star sports event. The 501(c)(3) non-profit produces annual events
and related activities to raise funds and awareness to benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a healthcare system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty
care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and
receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.

The 61st Annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl will be played Saturday, June 1, 2019, in Kearney, at Ron and Carol Cope Stadium on the campus of the University
of Nebraska—Kearney. For more information, visit www.neshrinebowl.org.

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12-Apr-2019 / MCC Athletic/Brent Cobb

McCook Community College sophomore Shaun Hickey has become the first baseball player from this year’s team to sign on to a four-year school. Hickey, a
Summerville, New Brunswick native has committed to play at Division I Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas.

“I think Abilene Christian is the best possible match for me,” Hickey said. “This choice meets every need of mine academically and athletically, as
well as the opportunity to continue my development at a high level with their program, their resources and their facilities, particularly weight
lifting.”

“I’m really happy for Shaun,” said MCC baseball coach Jon Olsen. “If you fully embrace the junior college route, considering the impact of getting
an affordable education, when you have a guy sign on at the next level, I get real excited about that.”

Hickey, a 6-1, 190 pound right-handed pitcher, has appeared in five games this year (two as a starter) and is 1-1 with two saves and a 3.48 earned
run average. In 10.1 innings, he has allowed seven hits, five walks and 13 strikeouts. Opponents are hitting .212 against him this year. He is
averaging 11.3 strikeouts and 6.10 hits per nine innings.

Last season he averaged 4.9 strikeouts and 9.40 hits per nine innings in a season when he started five games, went 2-1 in 22 innings, struck out 12,
walked 17, allowed a .271 opponent's batting average, and a 9.40 earned run average.

“Shaun is a great kid, a great student and a great worker,” Olsen said. “He did everything you need to do to get better, and be able to move on.”

This year his new team is 17-15, competing in the Southland as well as a non-conference schedule that includes the likes of NCAA tournament qualifiers
TCU, Hartford, Northwestern State and in-state foes in Texas A&M and Baylor.

“At the end of the day, Shaun is set to earn his bachelor’s degree and has earned a scholarship to pay for it,” Olsen said.

Hickey is expected to continue his role as relief pitcher in Texas. On Tuesday, he pitched a scoreless ninth inning and picked up his first win of
the season in the team’s 11-7 ninth-inning comeback win over Colby Community College. He said he and the team still have some unfinished business
in Region IX.

“We still have a lot to play for this season,” Hickey said. “Our goal is to keep fighting and turn things around one pitch at a time and continuing
to play for each other.”

MCC is 11-19 overall but still has a chance to push up in the Empire League standings and qualify for post-season plan.

Hickey is studying psychology at MCC and plans to continue that ACU. He plans to play professional baseball and would like to go into the counselling
field or possibly sports psychology.

He said he is an avid writer, and hopes to one day write his own book.

Of his time at MCC, Hickey said, “I’ve met people here at MCC and developed life-long relationships with people that I’ll probably always consider
as best friends. From my own improvement as a player, our coaches have done everything to help me to continue to develop my skills and reach for
my goals on and off the field.”

Olsen said he expects Hickey to be the first of eight to 11 players from this year’s squad to sign on to play at four-year schools.

“We’ve had tons of interest lately, I’m excited for this group of sophomores,” Olsen said.